Worrying my lip, I pulled in a breath. “Yeah. I think we understand a few things better, but the pain is still there and I don’t know how to move past that.”
“Do you want to move past it? I mean, do you still love him?”
My chin trembled and I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I wanted more than anything to admit the truth. But admitting the truth opened me up to being hurt again. I didn’t think I could live through another heartbreak at the hands of Steed Parker.
“Aunt Meli! I won! I won!”
My breath caught as Chloe came running up. Only because I knew her father wouldn’t be far behind.
“That’s amazing! You take after your granddaddy when it comes to fishing,” Amelia said with a proud expression covering her face. She grinned when her brother walked up. “Look who I found. Paxton.”
Chloe threw her arms around my legs. “Ms. Monroe! I won at fishing.”
Squatting down, I pushed a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear. “That’s wonderful, Chloe Cat. What did you win?” Her smile quickly dropped.
“Well, I can’t really use the prize.”
I frowned. “Why not?”
She shrugged. “It’s a mommy daughter date package for a spa.”
My eyes swung up to Steed. He wore a devastated expression on his face.
“Daddy said maybe Grammy can go.”
Amelia shook her head. “Well, when is it? We can go together!”
Steed cleared his throat. “You’ll be out of town. There’s only a two-week window.”
I wasn’t sure where in the hell my head was when I opened my mouth. “I can go with you.”
Amelia dropped down next to me. “That’s a great idea!”
Chloe lit up like the Christmas tree they put up every year in the town square.
Shit. Shit. Shit. I should have asked Steed first. Standing, I studied him. “I mean, if you approve.”
He showed no emotion whatsoever, but it almost seemed like there was a hint of appreciation. “You don’t have to do that, I’m sure my mom—”
Chloe interjected. “Daddy! I want Ms. Monroe to go! Please? Oh, Daddy please. This would be the bestest day ever if my favorite teacher got to take me.”
Her words wrapped around my heart like a warm blanket. Of course, I was her only teacher, but still. I was her favorite. I looked at Steed with an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put you in such a position.”
He shrugged. “Nah, it’s fine. If Chloe wants to take her teacher, that’s fine with me.”
Amelia sucked in a breath. I tried to hide the fact that his words felt like a slap on the face. I swallowed hard then dropped back down to Chloe.
“I think Chloe Cat and I are more than teacher and student. We’re friends. And when we’re outside of the classroom, you can call me Paxton.”
“Cause your Daddy’s old girlfriend, but you’re just friends now, right? Is that why I can call you Paxton?”
Oh dear. I think I’ve made this situation worse. “Um, yes.”
Wait. What was I saying yes to?
Clearing his throat, Steed asked, “Amelia, would you mind taking Chloe over and getting her a drink?”
Steed’s sister looked between the two of us. She took Chloe’s hand. “Come on, pumpkin. Let’s see what goodies we can find to eat.”
As they walked off, she glanced over her shoulder. “Don’t be a d.i.c.k. Steed.”
He rolled his eyes.
“What’s that spell, Aunt Meli?”
Steed watched them walk away. Once they were out of hearing range, he turned to me. “I don’t need you feeling sorry for Chloe. I would have figured it out.”
I was stunned and taken back by his tone. He’d never talked to me like that before.
“I’m sorry I didn’t ask you first. It sort of slipped out.”
“Well, if you didn’t mean to say it I can explain to her you can’t go after all. Mom can take her. It’s some sort of spa day. Nails and toes and all that shit.”
My hands began to sweat. “If you’ll allow me, I’d really like to take her.”
He narrowed his eyes at me. “Why?”
“Why not? She’s an adorable little girl. Your little girl. I’d love to get to know her better.”
“She’s not a replacement.”
The sharp intake of air from my mouth had Steed closing his eyes and cursing under his breath. “Shit. I didn’t mean that, Paxton.”
My entire body started to shake and bile moved to the base of my throat. “Is that what you think? You think I’m using your daughter as some sort of sick pretend game?”
He shook his head. “No. Of course not. I’m angry, and I shouldn’t have said it.”